Blue skin oozed black blood, before the entire body was tossed to the ground with disdain."Since when do Yamas look like this... So ugly." The golden-haired man in silver armor wiped his hands, glancing back at the layers of Yamas encircling the corpses, unable to muster any interest in fighting them.A grim, peculiar laugh sounded nearby: "Hoho, one hundred and seventy-eight! Hey, Shakra, have you slain fewer than I?"He raised an eyebrow. "This lord passed one hundred and eighty long ago. As a Lord, how could I possibly slay fewer than you, a general of the enemy?"On a nearby mound of corpses stood a white-haired youth, just pulling his curved blade from a Yama's body. His large black robe was thoroughly soaked with dark blood, dripping and reeking, but he seemed utterly unbothered, eagerly searching for his next prey.Further away, an older young man pinched his nose, his laughter muffled: "General Shuda, His Majesty from the enemy kingdom is fooling you! He just slew his one hundred and seventieth, eight fewer than you!""What?" Shuda was overjoyed. "Hahaha, I knew I was stronger than you! Quick, quick, Brahma, write it down! Count how many times Shakra has lost to me now!"Shakra shook his head helplessly, running a hand through his golden hair. "Mere Yamas... Killing them is truly dull. If some powerful enemies appeared, this lord might be willing to fight seriously."Suddenly, Brahma's expression changed. He stepped forward quickly, grabbing Shuda."What is it?" Shuda was confused."A powerful presence is approaching. Extremely dangerous." Brahma's expression was serious, no hint of jest. Shakra soon sensed
it too. Moments after saying, 'If some powerful enemies appeared, this lord might be willing to fight seriously,' now, this Lord was fleeing with them faster than anyone.Shuda cursed in fury: "Hey, you! Go fight! If you win, I'll call you Grandpa!"Amidst the bickering and shouts, the three fled into the distance. Mere moments later, a mass of white cloud drifted over the mountain of Yama corpses, upon which stood a slender figure."Ah... I go away for a bit, and something this big happens." She rubbed the space between her brows, then turned back with a resigned sigh. "Alright, stop crying now!"Behind the cloud, a petite mortal woman, her eyes red and swollen from crying, shuddered. "You have no idea how scary it is... walking the Zhoku Forest at night! I've been having nightmares these past few nights, dreaming of beasts, the strange cries of mountain spirits.""Then look down.""Huh?"The mortal woman looked down blankly beneath the cloud. Instantly, her pupils contracted, and she fell over without a sound. A little girl with two pigtails darted out, catching her, calling out urgently, "Sister Xiaobai! Sister Xiaobai!" She looked up, blinking terrified eyes. "Sister Zhongli, what do we do? Sister Xiaobai has fainted."Zhongli Xi stuck out her tongue. "I didn't know she'd scare so easily. Oh well, let's consider it giving her a good sleep. We'll apologize later. Let's deal with these Yamas first."She took a bamboo flute from her belt, raising it to her lips. As a light, melodious flute song rose, the cloud beneath their feet began to expand, until it covered all the Yamas.The rain started drip by drop, then poured down in sheets, harmonizing with the flute's melody, like a heavenly waterfall cascading forth. It quickly formed whirlpools on the ground, pulling back the Yamas on the outskirts trying to escape, churning them all together.The Yamas' blue skin, seen through the clear water, created a bizarre beauty. But the water did not grant them much time to struggle. Soon, the blue began to dissolve, to disperse. Only the clear, pure water remained, which then boiled, evaporated, until finally, not a drop was left in the mortal realm.Watching from a tree far in the distance, Shuda and the other
two couldn't help but gasp in amazement.Shakra said, "That move is eco-friendly. No stench." He shot a disdainful look at Shuda, wrapped in his foul, stinking black robe beside him.Shuda, however, licked his lips, eyes shining, looking eager to spar with this person.Brahma suddenly spoke: "Do you know of the 'Seven Fires, One Water'? When the three-thousandfold world undergoes the Kalpa of Destruction, three great calamities will appear: fire, water, and wind. The fire calamity manifests as seven suns, burning worlds below the Second Dhyana. The water calamity brings torrential rains, immersing and dissolving worlds below the Third Dhyana. Actually, heaven and earth are still young now, having not yet experienced the Kalpa of Destruction. It's all just the imagination of the Venerable Ones. But the origin of the imagination of the water calamity... is what you see before you now—the secret art of the Zhongli Clan of the Primordial Water."Silence. A moment later, a stomach rumble echoed from the woods."I'm hungry."Bensheng woke from a state of chaos. He squinted for a long while before his eyes adjusted to the pure white space surrounding him."Where is this...?""You're awake!" A light, lilting voice came from nearby; two curved pigtails swayed before his eyes.The little girl leaned over the bed, supporting her upper body with her arms on the edge.Bensheng watched her draw closer and closer, those large, dewy eyes staring straight at him. "You..."Thump!Bensheng's forehead was bumped, stars exploding before his eyes.The lilting voice was already curving out the door: "Zhoku Healer! Brother Bensheng's fever has broken! I tested it, everything's normal."Bensheng, leaning on a cane, walked out the door.Finally back under the open sky, he realized he was in the medical hall of the Chikitsa Vidya department at Zhoku Academy.Beyond the railing, in the training ground, young disciples shouted cries, practicing the Vajra Fist Technique sweat pouring down their bodies. From the row of low classrooms to the south came the clear sound of recitation. Bensheng took a deep breath and closed his
eyes. All of this..."Feels like a lifetime ago!"Someone beside him uttered the exact same sentiment. Bensheng turned to see a Pharmacist, also wrapped head to toe in bandages like himself. They looked at each other and grinned foolishly."Getting medicine applied by a fellow disciple is kinda embarrassing, haha..." the Pharmacist chattered on. "Shemen, being strong, recovered faster than us and has already gone to the northern pastures to find the Eight-Legged Lion. We were brought back by Lüzang using Sky-Stepping. I heard Zhongli, the Court Supervisor, arrived right after. She captured the North Gate Supervisor and brought him back.""What about Yeluo?"The Pharmacist shook his head. "She carries a heavy heart."Old Huang unlocked the iron door, glanced back at Yeluo, and stepped aside.Inside the cell, Chilo had already sensed Yeluo's presence. She turned around.Yeluo lifted her head. "Shifu." Having not spoken this word for so long, her voice sounded hoarse and unfamiliar.Chilo gazed at her with tenderness. After a long while, she finally let out a long, deep sigh. She knelt down, performing a formal, solemn bow to Yeluo.Yeluo stepped back, flustered."I'm sorry, Yeluo. Perhaps this apology comes nearly a century too late for your family, but I must say it." Chilo's expression was unusually calm. "Before, I always thought to resolve everything in a way that hurt no one. But now I finally understand. These ambiguous methods are useless. We, who once caused suffering to other clans, must taste the same pain before we try to understand. I have submitted a petition to the Royal Palace and the Old Dean, requesting the removal of the Chilo Clan from the Four Great Families."Yeluo was silent for a long time. Finally, she turned her face away. "Shifu, I cannot hate you."But I can no longer respect and rely on you as I did before...Yeluo bid farewell to Old Huang and walked alone through Liuchen Street, reaching the main thoroughfare near the Royal Palace. This was where the most powerful and prestigious families in the Saptaparna Kingdom resided. The usually quiet and deserted street today bustled with many carriages and horses. Yeluo followed the flow of people and soon saw a gate swarming with activity.
Her mother, dressed in fine robes, was at the entrance directing laborers moving furniture, a smile on her face that Yeluo seldom saw.But before Yeluo could approach, relatives and friends arrived to offer congratulations. Her mother laughed, "Ah, you flatter us. That child is indeed remarkable, we never expected it. We thought we'd still have to arrange a marriage alliance with one of the Four Great Families for her... Yes, yes, who knew she'd succeed even before becoming a Comprehender."Yeluo felt a wave of disgust, turned, and left.Back on the main road, a prisoner's cart brushed past her. On it, a noble-looking young man with disheveled hair and grimy appearance, yet carrying himself with elegance. It was the former North Gate Supervisor!Shocked, Yeluo looked back. The prisoner's cart, heading towards the Royal Palace, was already far away.Inside the palace, Zhongli Xi supported the Old Dean as they entered the Prince's chambers. Her expression was more serious than ever before.The Prince had been treated with Zhoku Chikitsa Vidya medicine, enhanced by spiritual powers, and it was quite effective. Freed from the torment of the malignant sores, his spirits had improved greatly. Upon seeing them, he tried to get out of bed to express his remorse, but was stopped by the attendants.Attendants brought chairs for the Old Dean to sit. The Old Dean placed his palms together, comforting him, "Retribution for evil is an inevitable law of nature, but that does not mean there is no path to redemption. If the Prince sincerely repents and atones, grave sins can see lighter retribution, minor sins can be eradicated."He took a soft breath and continued, "Prince, what did that person you saw look like?"The Prince said, "He was within the mirror-painting at the North Gate. I did not recognize him. I only remember he had long black hair, sparse eyebrows, very thin... Beyond that, he didn't seem particularly remarkable."The Old Dean looked up at Zhongli Xi. "The Beast Tribe all have distinguishing features compared to humans..."Zhongli Xi interjected, "'Fools console themselves, saying there's no retribution for evil; I observe the future now, retribution has its fixed abode.' That verse was spoken by Uncle back when he took the brothers out to subdue demons, said to a mortal who had done evil and entered the cycle of rebirth."
The Old Dean's eyes widened slightly, followed by a deep sigh. "So, he really is still alive."Zhongli Xi turned impatiently to leave, but the Old Dean stopped her. "We still haven't interrogated North Gate!""That scoundrel is strong-willed; he definitely won't say anything." Tears welled in her eyes. "I will search for him myself, no matter how long it takes. Since Brother Kasyapa did not die a hundred and eighty years ago, then regardless of his purpose in all this, I must bring him back!"The Old Dean shook his head with a bitter smile. "Xiao Xi, you're still as impulsive as ever."Zhongli Xi pouted. "A day in heaven is a year on earth. I've only spent half a year on Kunlun; of course I haven't grown up.""I want you to stay first... to preside over the Zhoku Graduation Ceremony."Zhongli Xi clicked her tongue. "After the Court Exam turned out like this, there are still graduates?""Of course there are?" The Old Dean revealed a turtle-like, kindly and profound expression. "Although most disciples were captured by North Gate's men, preventing the exam from proceeding properly, there were still outstanding youths who, amidst this chaos, performed deeds of merit no less than subduing demons and aiding the world."The Purification Square was packed with people, as the Know-It-Alls had been vying for the best spots since dawn. Commoners arriving later inevitably argued with them. By the time the graduation ceremony was to begin, the place was impenetrably crowded, bustling and lively.Bensheng stared at the magnificent scene, clicking his tongue incessantly."Why are there even more people than on the day the Court Exam began?""That day was just for watching the spectacle. Today, they've come to see the real heroes." Shemen puffed out her chest proudly. Today she wore a brighter, full-body wrap, making her skin appear even darker and shinier.The Pharmacist said disdainfully, "That outfit of yours is too flashy."Shemen swayed her waist. "This is called wild, exotic beauty. A child like you wouldn't understand." As she spoke, she blew a kiss towards Lüzang.Lüzang's face reddened. He turned his head, right towards
Bensheng. The two stared at each other, wide-eyed. Yeluo, standing behind them, immediately sensed trouble. Before she could speak, she heard Lüzang say, "You're not expecting me to carry you to the platform using Sky-Stepping again, are you?"Bensheng quickly retorted, "Wasn't I drained because I saved a certain young master... Today," he pressed down on his new wind cap, "we'll each rely on our own abilities.""Hmph!"Yeluo smiled wryly, but hearing their familiar bickering actually dissipated much of the vexation she had felt these past few days.Bensheng took the lead, pressing his palms together, stepping directly off the rooftop amidst the gasps of the crowd, treading on air as he walked towards the high platform in the Purification Square.Not to be outdone, Lüzang flicked his sleeves and rode the wind, soaring up.Just as Yeluo summoned her flying Three-Pronged Vajra Sword, she heard the Pharmacist's tearful voice behind her: "Wh-what about me?"Shemen laughed heartily, hoisted the Pharmacist onto the back of the Eight-Legged Lion, and swiftly chased after the others.The most spectacular graduation entrance in history stunned the entire audience. Seeing the stunned expressions of Zhongli Xi, Youshui, and Old Huang on the platform made Bensheng even prouder. In a moment of excessive pride, he missed his step, landing squarely on his bottom on the platform.The entire square fell silent. Suddenly, the mesmerizing hawking cry that played eight hundred times a day on Liuchen Street rang out: "Little Bensheng, you stand up right now, you rascal!"The crowd burst into laughter, discussing heatedly amidst their amusement."This year's graduates are extraordinary!""Indeed, four graduates from Zhoku in the same cohort! How young are they!""The oldest is only fifteen, and one of them is a youth from the Beast Tribe!""A Kunlun slave graduating? That must be a first in history!""Once she becomes an Adept, she'll surely spread the Dharma to even farther places.""I heard two others who graduated didn't come.""Who? They don't even care about the graduation ceremony?""The two from Buzhou Kingdom. Because of the tense war
situation in their country, they returned home immediately without even collecting their Robes of Origin."Bensheng spotted the rabbit boss lady cheering energetically in the crowd and waved at her. His gaze swept past, catching sight of a clean-looking, sturdy man beside her. He stared for a long time before realizing who it was."What is it?" Zhongli Xi looked down at Bensheng, who had sidled up to her."Fairy Sister, there's something I'd like to ask of you."Inside the Vesak Pavilion, the Old Dean looked curiously at Zhongli Xi, Bensheng, Yeluo, and finally fixed his gaze on the sturdy man."And this is...?""Shanlai. This humble one's secular name is Sanbao."Uncle Sanbao, with his shaved beard and cleaned-up appearance, was truly... unrecognizably refined. Bensheng and Yeluo couldn't help but snicker to the side."Old Tortoise, although he's the number one most wanted thief by the Imperial Constabulary, well, he hasn't offended our Zhoku Academy in the slightest. Actually, it should be said that Zhoku Academy owes him a favor." Zhongli Xi explained slowly."Shanlai. The Venerable One has already instructed me that the misfortunes suffered innocently by the common people due to that war should be resolved and compensated by me, one by one." The Old Dean listened to the reason and smiled gently.Bensheng tugged on Zhongli Xi's sleeve. "What does the Old Dean plan to do?""Of course, he'll go to request the Bell of the Moment, to return the lifespan that young lady was meant to have."The Bell of the Moment... Yeluo asked, surprised, "But isn't that only to be rung by a Comprehender?"Zhongli Xi laughed. "A Comprehender rings the Bell of the Moment to herald a new temporal age for a continent. The Bell itself inherently contains a vast sea of time. Borrowing a little for a mortal is nothing!"So that's how it is. Hearing this, the once distant and unreachable "Bell of the Moment" seemed rather approachable now!The Old Dean led Sanbao away. Bensheng and Yeluo also left, chatting and laughing. He put on the Robe of Origin given to him during the ceremony by Zhongli Xi, turned, raised his staff, and waved to her from afar.
For a moment, Zhongli Xi's eyes stung; this scene was so like when Brother Kasyapa graduated, waving his staff to share the good news with her..."Ah, wait, Bensheng!"Bensheng turned back to see Zhongli Xi striding after him, completely without grace: "Haha, sorry, there's something I forgot to tell you. Have you met the little girl who took care of you?"Bensheng blinked. "She is...?""She came from the Lumbini Deer Park. Her name is Youyou."